What do you think?
Rate this book
Sisters in Service #3
The Widow & The War Correspondent
Are a new life and new love possible in a country devastated by war?
Barely married before she’s widowed after Pearl Harbor three years ago, journalist Cora Strealer travels to England where she’s assigned to work with United Press’s top reporter who thinks the last place for a woman is on the front lines. Can she change his opinion before D-Day? Or will she have to choose her job over her heart?
A sought-after journalist, Van Toppel deserves his pick of assignments, which is why he can’t determine the bureau chief’s motive for saddling him with a cub reporter. Unfortunately, the beautiful rookie is no puff piece. Can he get her off his beat without making headlines…or losing his heart?
Barely married before she’s widowed after Pearl Harbor three years ago, journalist Cora Strealer travels to England where she’s assigned to work with United Press’s top reporter who thinks the last place for a woman is on the front lines. Can she change his opinion before D-Day? Or will she have to choose her job over her heart?
A sought-after journalist, Van Toppel deserves his pick of assignments, which is why he can’t determine the bureau chief’s motive for saddling him with a cub reporter. Unfortunately, the beautiful rookie is no puff piece. Can he get her off his beat without making headlines…or losing his heart?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2020
10 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Linda Shenton Matchett
62 books656 followersLinda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A self-professed history geek, she is a volunteer archivist and docent at the Wright Museum of World War II. Linda has published more than twenty-five books. When not writing, she enjoys exploring historical sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 15, 2022
The genre for this book is historical fiction, but not just historical, importantly Christian historical fiction. It isn’t just a clean fiction, but rather a book with a defined worldview. That is what is so compelling about the book, neither part of the equation suffers in mixing up the total package, which makes the book captivating and convincing.
Previously, in the Sisters in Service books, we have glimpsed Cora. Cora is in her late twenties, newly returned to the New Hampshire family home to grieve after the loss of her husband Brian who died during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Cora formerly worked for the Honolulu Star Advertiser, but now fills in at the local NH paper doing whatever fluff pieces her editor assigns her. She longs to do feature stories. Suddenly through a series of circumstances, such as a friend, a well-placed actress, and sterling credentials, Cora not only applies to be a war correspondent, is accreditation to be one, and is off to report the war in London with the United Press.
She is assigned to team with a respected and hungry, thirtyish journalist named Van Toppel, who also works for United Press. Van Toppel comes from a similar background as Cora, except he is an Iowan with several generations of farming family pedigree to his name. Like any couple, family or working, they have a rocky start, but are soon working very effectively. Their editor even tells Toppel that they are getting very positive “fan” mail concerning their partnership. Just when things seem to suggest vocational and romantic bliss, D-Day commences. Our main characters are faced with gritty reality, which helps define who they are, what they want, and who they both will look to for guidance and ultimate direction.
Reflection (rated 4.4):
There were various themes that ran throughout this story, themes such as: grief, trusting God vs only trusting self/control, and the war’s effect on social structures. Cora had been a widow for about three years. At various times during the story, we see the meandering way that grief wove through Cora’s life experiences. The author’s treatment of grief felt genuine. It was also refreshing to see realism through the way Cora grappled with her job, functioning in a pervasively male world. Again, it felt real; sometimes she was confident and tenacious, while other times timid and second-guessing her decisions. Real. There were a number of vignettes, which really set the tone for the story and for our lead characters, Cora and Van.
A key episode for Cora takes place at London’s Palace Theatre. Winston Churchill was to speak and all the gathered journalists were expecting information about the upcoming war campaign. Short, surrounded by cigarette and cigar smoking men, she searches for a reasonable seat. She’s resolved to not be stuck in the back. She spots a seat in the third row and boldly wiggles her way to the seat. Upon sitting down, a man to her right says, “This is for reporters only, HONEY. You can’t be here.” She flashes her ID card and says, “I am a reporter, HONEY, but thank you for clarifying that I’m in the right place.” I loved the sarcasm. As a height challenged person, I’ve also never liked being called “honey” derisively.
An account that centered around Van Toppel that happens early in the book helped me to like his character. He is outside of Broadcasting House and is greeted by a fellow correspondent for Collier’s magazine. This correspondent had decided chauvinistic opinions about female correspondents. Van responds to each of his diatribes with positive affirmations of female correspondents. He mentions that Margaret Bourke-White has been with Life magazine for ten years and had even covered the Blitz. After another negative comment by his fellow correspondent, he tells him he needs to shed his Victorian attitude as the “gals have proven themselves capable.” When this negative correspondent leaves, Van reflects again over his opinions expressed to his fellow correspondent. He asks himself if he really believes what he said. Then he “shrugs” and returns to his notebook and the job at hand. This is a foreshadowing that in his near future proof that he just expects news people to get the news, and if they did their jobs, no problem. He continued to show brains, professional integrity, as well as a reserved sensitivity.
Another vignette that spoke volumes about both Van and Cora was early on, when they officially meet at Broadcasting House. Cora just pulled her story from the typewriter, gathered her things, and was about to leave when she noticed the “handsome reporter from the press conference” was staring at her again. Van’s opening greeting, “Impressive speed, Miss…” and introductions are made. Cora just told Van that she was from New Hampshire, when a siren shrieked outside. She’s shocked; he is a veteran of air raids. He grabs her hand and leads her down to the basement shelter. While they are down in the shelter, Van states, “Broadcasting House has made it this far. We’ll be fine.” I wanted to know about Broadcasting House, so did some research and found that it suffered two direct hits in the Blitz, which caused widespread damage, deaths, and many injuries. One happened on October 15, 1940 and the other on December 8, 1940. The second hit was described as being “like Dante’s Inferno.” Wow. Just being in London was dangerous for all the population, journalists were not excluded from danger.
Near the end of the book you have the D-Day landing, when a special group of male correspondents were selected to be with the troops, which allowed them to get a scoop on other journalists. This excluded any not in the selected group. At first, I thought it seemed ridiculous that Cora masqueraded as a Red Cross nurse and sneaked on to the hospital ship, so that she wasn’t left out of the action. As a believer, this didn’t line up with God’s directive to obey those who are in authority, but I understood that the character was following the real-life actions of Martha Gellhorn. Martha traveled on D-Day to Normandy as a stowaway on a hospital ship. When just off Omaha Beach she found her way onto a landing craft and worked with the medics to get wounded men back to the hospital ship for treatment. So believable.
The only part of the story that wasn’t believable to me, was the scene between Van and Cora on the beach, no, for me, this just was not believable. Also, I was disappointed that we heard nothing more about her two sisters, or the aftermath of Van and Cora’s decision made on the beach.
I continue to find that Matchett includes good faith elements throughout her books. She is a good writer and her main characters are compelling as well as likeable. LSM keep great Christian fiction coming.
Previously, in the Sisters in Service books, we have glimpsed Cora. Cora is in her late twenties, newly returned to the New Hampshire family home to grieve after the loss of her husband Brian who died during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Cora formerly worked for the Honolulu Star Advertiser, but now fills in at the local NH paper doing whatever fluff pieces her editor assigns her. She longs to do feature stories. Suddenly through a series of circumstances, such as a friend, a well-placed actress, and sterling credentials, Cora not only applies to be a war correspondent, is accreditation to be one, and is off to report the war in London with the United Press.
She is assigned to team with a respected and hungry, thirtyish journalist named Van Toppel, who also works for United Press. Van Toppel comes from a similar background as Cora, except he is an Iowan with several generations of farming family pedigree to his name. Like any couple, family or working, they have a rocky start, but are soon working very effectively. Their editor even tells Toppel that they are getting very positive “fan” mail concerning their partnership. Just when things seem to suggest vocational and romantic bliss, D-Day commences. Our main characters are faced with gritty reality, which helps define who they are, what they want, and who they both will look to for guidance and ultimate direction.
Reflection (rated 4.4):
There were various themes that ran throughout this story, themes such as: grief, trusting God vs only trusting self/control, and the war’s effect on social structures. Cora had been a widow for about three years. At various times during the story, we see the meandering way that grief wove through Cora’s life experiences. The author’s treatment of grief felt genuine. It was also refreshing to see realism through the way Cora grappled with her job, functioning in a pervasively male world. Again, it felt real; sometimes she was confident and tenacious, while other times timid and second-guessing her decisions. Real. There were a number of vignettes, which really set the tone for the story and for our lead characters, Cora and Van.
A key episode for Cora takes place at London’s Palace Theatre. Winston Churchill was to speak and all the gathered journalists were expecting information about the upcoming war campaign. Short, surrounded by cigarette and cigar smoking men, she searches for a reasonable seat. She’s resolved to not be stuck in the back. She spots a seat in the third row and boldly wiggles her way to the seat. Upon sitting down, a man to her right says, “This is for reporters only, HONEY. You can’t be here.” She flashes her ID card and says, “I am a reporter, HONEY, but thank you for clarifying that I’m in the right place.” I loved the sarcasm. As a height challenged person, I’ve also never liked being called “honey” derisively.
An account that centered around Van Toppel that happens early in the book helped me to like his character. He is outside of Broadcasting House and is greeted by a fellow correspondent for Collier’s magazine. This correspondent had decided chauvinistic opinions about female correspondents. Van responds to each of his diatribes with positive affirmations of female correspondents. He mentions that Margaret Bourke-White has been with Life magazine for ten years and had even covered the Blitz. After another negative comment by his fellow correspondent, he tells him he needs to shed his Victorian attitude as the “gals have proven themselves capable.” When this negative correspondent leaves, Van reflects again over his opinions expressed to his fellow correspondent. He asks himself if he really believes what he said. Then he “shrugs” and returns to his notebook and the job at hand. This is a foreshadowing that in his near future proof that he just expects news people to get the news, and if they did their jobs, no problem. He continued to show brains, professional integrity, as well as a reserved sensitivity.
Another vignette that spoke volumes about both Van and Cora was early on, when they officially meet at Broadcasting House. Cora just pulled her story from the typewriter, gathered her things, and was about to leave when she noticed the “handsome reporter from the press conference” was staring at her again. Van’s opening greeting, “Impressive speed, Miss…” and introductions are made. Cora just told Van that she was from New Hampshire, when a siren shrieked outside. She’s shocked; he is a veteran of air raids. He grabs her hand and leads her down to the basement shelter. While they are down in the shelter, Van states, “Broadcasting House has made it this far. We’ll be fine.” I wanted to know about Broadcasting House, so did some research and found that it suffered two direct hits in the Blitz, which caused widespread damage, deaths, and many injuries. One happened on October 15, 1940 and the other on December 8, 1940. The second hit was described as being “like Dante’s Inferno.” Wow. Just being in London was dangerous for all the population, journalists were not excluded from danger.
Near the end of the book you have the D-Day landing, when a special group of male correspondents were selected to be with the troops, which allowed them to get a scoop on other journalists. This excluded any not in the selected group. At first, I thought it seemed ridiculous that Cora masqueraded as a Red Cross nurse and sneaked on to the hospital ship, so that she wasn’t left out of the action. As a believer, this didn’t line up with God’s directive to obey those who are in authority, but I understood that the character was following the real-life actions of Martha Gellhorn. Martha traveled on D-Day to Normandy as a stowaway on a hospital ship. When just off Omaha Beach she found her way onto a landing craft and worked with the medics to get wounded men back to the hospital ship for treatment. So believable.
The only part of the story that wasn’t believable to me, was the scene between Van and Cora on the beach, no, for me, this just was not believable. Also, I was disappointed that we heard nothing more about her two sisters, or the aftermath of Van and Cora’s decision made on the beach.
I continue to find that Matchett includes good faith elements throughout her books. She is a good writer and her main characters are compelling as well as likeable. LSM keep great Christian fiction coming.
June 7, 2022
I have had the pleasure of reading several books by this author. Each one is filled with wonderful characters and details that make you feel part of the story. It was interesting to read about female war correspondents and how hard it was for them to be accepted into the field of journalism. The author does an excellent job of relating to readers the struggles women faced during WWII as they made their way into a field that many felt were for men.
Cora is a very determined woman and I loved how she never let any setbacks stop her from reaching her goal. She can’t wait for her big assignment but when it comes she is paired with a man who she barely knows. Why were these two put together to cover a story?
Van is not thrilled to be saddled with Cora as his partner and is rather distracted by her. Was it because she was intimidating and beautiful? Maybe it was her confidence that threw him off. As Van gets to know Cora better he discovers that she is a Christian. A statement she made really stopped me in my tracks. “ Some days my faith hangs by a thread.” I think a lot of us can relate to that. I have felt that way over the last few years. It seems that I continue to battle one storm after another. There are days I have even said,”I’m hanging on by a thread.” We may go through trials but God is still there watching over us.
I loved following Cora and Van as they cover the war. There are risks involved that they must overcome. The author makes a great point when Van wonders if he is being a coward for not signing up to be in the war. We all have gifts and each of those gifts work together for God’s glory. Van’s insecurity does show a bit but I think Cora helped him understand that everyone has something to contribute to help in the war effort.
I didn’t realize how difficult it was to get facts about the war but with Van and Cora’s skills they may get the story of the year. I enjoyed watching them banter with each other and vocalize their insights into the war. Their travels send them into danger as one disobeys the rules while the other follows orders. This part of the story is my favorite because it illustrates how we need to follow God’s directions instead of our own. The ending is very emotional and shares moments which Cora and Van both turn to each other for comfort. The faith element in the story is good and shines a light on trusting God and never giving up.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Cora is a very determined woman and I loved how she never let any setbacks stop her from reaching her goal. She can’t wait for her big assignment but when it comes she is paired with a man who she barely knows. Why were these two put together to cover a story?
Van is not thrilled to be saddled with Cora as his partner and is rather distracted by her. Was it because she was intimidating and beautiful? Maybe it was her confidence that threw him off. As Van gets to know Cora better he discovers that she is a Christian. A statement she made really stopped me in my tracks. “ Some days my faith hangs by a thread.” I think a lot of us can relate to that. I have felt that way over the last few years. It seems that I continue to battle one storm after another. There are days I have even said,”I’m hanging on by a thread.” We may go through trials but God is still there watching over us.
I loved following Cora and Van as they cover the war. There are risks involved that they must overcome. The author makes a great point when Van wonders if he is being a coward for not signing up to be in the war. We all have gifts and each of those gifts work together for God’s glory. Van’s insecurity does show a bit but I think Cora helped him understand that everyone has something to contribute to help in the war effort.
I didn’t realize how difficult it was to get facts about the war but with Van and Cora’s skills they may get the story of the year. I enjoyed watching them banter with each other and vocalize their insights into the war. Their travels send them into danger as one disobeys the rules while the other follows orders. This part of the story is my favorite because it illustrates how we need to follow God’s directions instead of our own. The ending is very emotional and shares moments which Cora and Van both turn to each other for comfort. The faith element in the story is good and shines a light on trusting God and never giving up.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
September 21, 2020
Are a new life and new love possible in a country devastated by war?Barely married before she's widowed after Pearl Harbor 3 years ago,journalist Cora Strealer travels to England where she's assigned to work with United Press's top reporter who thinks the last place for a woman is on the front lines.Can she change his opinion before D-Day?Or will she have to choose her job over her heart?A sought after journalist,Van Toppel deserves his pick of assignments,which is why he can't determine the bureau chief's motive for saddling him with a cub reporter.Unfortunately,the beautiful rookie is no puff piece.Can he get her off his beat without making headlines..or losing his heart? United Press International is an international news agency whose newswires, photo,news film,and audio services provided news material to thousands of newspapers,magazines,radio and television stations for most of the 20th century.Walter Cronkite,who started with UP in Kansas city,gained fame for his coverage of WWII in Europe.Reporters typed up their stories on portable typewriters and sent them off to a censor for approval.Journalism was no easier for the earliest women war correspondents,who often had to use extreme measures to gain access to the front lines.Women journalists wanted to write stories that matter,instead of being relegated to write fluff pieces concerning societal events,housekeeping and childrearing.The D-Day Dames were a group of American women journalists who made history reporting on the events of D-Day.This group of women,along with others,would gather in London in anticipation of the Normandy landings, fighting to overcome the ban on women going to the front lines.In order to get to Normandy,journalist Martha Gellhorn smuggled herself onto a hospital ship and locked herself in a toilet,becoming the first woman to report on the invasion.Gellhorn was Ernest Hemingway's 3rd wife but their marriage had broken down by D-Day.Other famous women journalists included Margaret Bourke-White,Clare Hollingworth, Lee Carson,Lee Miller and Mary Welsh who'd become Ernest Hemingway's 4th and final wife.
June 28, 2022
I love the WWII time period. I know I’ve said it before, but it needs to be said again as I’ve loved reading this novel set during WWII. In it, you’ll find yourself transported back in time to England during the war, and from there other shores.
This is a particularly timely book for me to tell you about as I went to a WWII reenactment yesterday. Of course, I read this book a few months ago. The minute it came to me I was diving in!
Please know that this is part of a series of books. While you don’t have to read them in order and they will make sense read out of order it is always nice to know when you’re reading a series so you can read them in order if you wish to. I’ve loved this series so far and can’t wait for the next book!
Now to the actual storyline!
Cora lost her husband to the war. They were married a short time before he was off fighting and lost his life. Cora is left on her own and struggles with what to do now that she’s a war widow. But not for long. She works for the local paper. But she’s tired of the humdrum they let her cover. She wants the exciting stuff! She wants what the men get.
And then. With one well-placed friend, she gets what she wants. She is off overseas to do some reporting. But maybe it’s not all that she thought it would be. She’s still not getting the exciting articles and assignments she wants.
What happens when she takes matters into her own hands and sets off on the search for a story on her own without permission.
This was a wonderful tale and I couldn’t put it down. I loved Cora. Van is also a wonderful character with secrets and dreams of his own. I loved watching the two of them navigate a relationship and come to terms with their pasts. You’re going to love this book! Grab a copy now!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is a particularly timely book for me to tell you about as I went to a WWII reenactment yesterday. Of course, I read this book a few months ago. The minute it came to me I was diving in!
Please know that this is part of a series of books. While you don’t have to read them in order and they will make sense read out of order it is always nice to know when you’re reading a series so you can read them in order if you wish to. I’ve loved this series so far and can’t wait for the next book!
Now to the actual storyline!
Cora lost her husband to the war. They were married a short time before he was off fighting and lost his life. Cora is left on her own and struggles with what to do now that she’s a war widow. But not for long. She works for the local paper. But she’s tired of the humdrum they let her cover. She wants the exciting stuff! She wants what the men get.
And then. With one well-placed friend, she gets what she wants. She is off overseas to do some reporting. But maybe it’s not all that she thought it would be. She’s still not getting the exciting articles and assignments she wants.
What happens when she takes matters into her own hands and sets off on the search for a story on her own without permission.
This was a wonderful tale and I couldn’t put it down. I loved Cora. Van is also a wonderful character with secrets and dreams of his own. I loved watching the two of them navigate a relationship and come to terms with their pasts. You’re going to love this book! Grab a copy now!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
June 19, 2022
Linda Shenton Matchett has become one of my favorite authors. I have read many of her books over the last few years. I am not one who normally likes books with Spies and Mystery, but I do love a good romance. The Widow and the War Correspondent is Book 3 in the Sisters in Service series. I read the first 2 Books in this series and I have been anxiously awaiting the next books in this series!
The time period of World War II is an interesting time period and I do enjoy reading books that are set in that time period. Cora Strealer is a journalist. She was briefly married before becoming a Widow after Pearl Harbor attack. She is heading to England to work with a top Journalist over there. She has heard that he isn't too fond of Women Journalists. Van Toppel is a top journalist in England and he would rather he be able to hand pick the journalist that he works worth, but he doesn't get that option. He is not happy that the Bureau he works for has paired him up with a young reporter/journalist. Cora is determined to show him that she is just as capable of being a reporter as he is. Van Toppel is determined to not have to work with her. When he meets her though, his heart is falling in love with her. Will Cora succeed at showing Van Toppel that Women can be top reporters also? Will Van Toppel change his standing on women reporters and fall in love in Cora?
I truly enjoyed this boo, from the very first page. I could not and did not put the book down unitl I was done reading it. I really like that the book is based on Women During War and how they are stepping up and showing they are just as capable of doing "hard core" jobs also. Cora had been through a lot in the past three years but she was not deterred. Van Toppel was very adamant about those he worked with and expected to have male journalists. I LOVE how he had a heart change once he started working with Cora. The Suspense and Twists and Turns in the book were just amazing! Linda Shenton Matchett has another GREAT book and I look forward to reading more in this series.
The time period of World War II is an interesting time period and I do enjoy reading books that are set in that time period. Cora Strealer is a journalist. She was briefly married before becoming a Widow after Pearl Harbor attack. She is heading to England to work with a top Journalist over there. She has heard that he isn't too fond of Women Journalists. Van Toppel is a top journalist in England and he would rather he be able to hand pick the journalist that he works worth, but he doesn't get that option. He is not happy that the Bureau he works for has paired him up with a young reporter/journalist. Cora is determined to show him that she is just as capable of being a reporter as he is. Van Toppel is determined to not have to work with her. When he meets her though, his heart is falling in love with her. Will Cora succeed at showing Van Toppel that Women can be top reporters also? Will Van Toppel change his standing on women reporters and fall in love in Cora?
I truly enjoyed this boo, from the very first page. I could not and did not put the book down unitl I was done reading it. I really like that the book is based on Women During War and how they are stepping up and showing they are just as capable of doing "hard core" jobs also. Cora had been through a lot in the past three years but she was not deterred. Van Toppel was very adamant about those he worked with and expected to have male journalists. I LOVE how he had a heart change once he started working with Cora. The Suspense and Twists and Turns in the book were just amazing! Linda Shenton Matchett has another GREAT book and I look forward to reading more in this series.
June 18, 2022
Linda Shenton Matchett has become one of my favorite Christian Historical Fiction authors in the last several years. I have been fortunate enough to read several of her books and have always loved every single one. The Widow & The War Correspondent is book three and part of the Sisters in Service series. I have read all the books in the series, but it is not neccessary to enjoy this story. The author always does such amazing research to ensure that her stories are as real feeling as possible.
Cora Strealer became a widow shortly after becoming a wife. Her husband was killed at Pearl Harbor. Three years later she finds herself in England as a journalist. Cora is a very determined woman. She is paired with season reporter, Van Toppel. Van is sought after highly and is not thrilled that he is paired with Cora. He does not believe that women should be overseas and should be back at home.
Van is shocked to find out that Cora is a Christian. I like how Cora admitted that she even struggles sometimes. Watching the two of them evolve through the story was fun to read. There was so much going on around them and it took both to try and get the story of the year.
The characters are well developed and written. The author placed them in authentic places to allow her story to come to life. I will always be excited to read a book by this author. She never lets me down.
Thank you to the author. publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Cora Strealer became a widow shortly after becoming a wife. Her husband was killed at Pearl Harbor. Three years later she finds herself in England as a journalist. Cora is a very determined woman. She is paired with season reporter, Van Toppel. Van is sought after highly and is not thrilled that he is paired with Cora. He does not believe that women should be overseas and should be back at home.
Van is shocked to find out that Cora is a Christian. I like how Cora admitted that she even struggles sometimes. Watching the two of them evolve through the story was fun to read. There was so much going on around them and it took both to try and get the story of the year.
The characters are well developed and written. The author placed them in authentic places to allow her story to come to life. I will always be excited to read a book by this author. She never lets me down.
Thank you to the author. publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
June 15, 2022
As a former journalist, I could relate to the characters as they sought stories and polished them. Add reporting in potentially dangerous places during World War II, and the story gets much more exciting. Then pair Cora, a determined female reporter and widow, with Van, a scrappy seasoned journalist, and sparks may fly—in more ways than one. The author did a good job at making the characters, settings, and situations seem authentic and showing readers what life was like in the midst of war in Europe. However, it felt like we just skimmed the surface rather than diving into the depths of their emotions and experiences. There was potential to draw readers in more intensely. I didn’t feel like I was there—fully immersed in the story. Nevertheless, the novel is filled with adventure and threatening situations plus the struggle women face trying to make it in a man’s world. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
June 18, 2022
I always enjoy reading books by Linda Shenton Matchett because the characters and historical storylines jump to life. The Widow and the War Correspondent brings to life the story of Cora Strealer, a reporter and a widow as a result of Pear Harbor. Obtaining press credentials, she finds herself in London during the war. Assigned to work with Van Toppel, the two initially clash, but eventually find a way to work together.
Filled with moments that illustrate how the two rely on their faith in God, I found myself unable to put this book down. With a jealous competitor setting out to cause problems Van and Cora face the difficulties together.
I love how these two characters develop throughout tee story. I also found the pace of the story to be excellent. Truly, Linda Shenton Matchett creates amazing historical stories. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Filled with moments that illustrate how the two rely on their faith in God, I found myself unable to put this book down. With a jealous competitor setting out to cause problems Van and Cora face the difficulties together.
I love how these two characters develop throughout tee story. I also found the pace of the story to be excellent. Truly, Linda Shenton Matchett creates amazing historical stories. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
June 8, 2022
"The Widow & The War Correspondent" by Linda Shenton Matchett is a fast and short read about journalists reporting on WW11. The main character is a woman that wants to write real stories. This is also a clean romance. I don't think I could be as brave as Cora and go into the middle of a war battle scene. Cora is definitely a woman who isn't afraid to follow her dreams. I know we are supposed to not like someone but since this is a book and not actual people I can say I didn't like one of the other woman journalist in this book! Why you might ask, well let's say she is not a likable character, I know the book isn't really about her but I would like to read more about why she is the way she is!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
About the Author
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
About the Author
May 30, 2022
Doubt and I are old friends - a mantra that Cora Strealer seemed to spend too much time on. Cora, widowed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, was finding her way as a journalist, constantly wondering if she was doing the right thing. Taking a huge leap of faith, she heads to London, England to write about the war. Can she possibly get past all her doubts and make a real difference?
Van Toppel is a war correspondent, presently working out of London. Teamed up for an assignment with the newbie, Cora, he wonders if she can make it. His aspirations reach higher than staying in London, but will he have to continue ‘babysitting’? Only time will tell.
This ARC was received through Shortwave Press and CelebrateLit. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Van Toppel is a war correspondent, presently working out of London. Teamed up for an assignment with the newbie, Cora, he wonders if she can make it. His aspirations reach higher than staying in London, but will he have to continue ‘babysitting’? Only time will tell.
This ARC was received through Shortwave Press and CelebrateLit. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
June 23, 2022
This one is a quick read but a goodie. I like that this author is showing the struggle women had coming into a male ‘world’. The story is about Cora being a journalist. In todays society, that isn’t something unusual but back then it was.
I liked Cora’s courage and determination. I also could relate to a lot of what she said about faith. Van was also a good character. I liked their interactions and ultimately how the story unfolded. I truly enjoyed it.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I liked Cora’s courage and determination. I also could relate to a lot of what she said about faith. Van was also a good character. I liked their interactions and ultimately how the story unfolded. I truly enjoyed it.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
July 18, 2020
Matchett brings WWII to life in the world of reporters. Briefly married and recently widowed, Cora, ventures off to London to prove her chops at being a war correspondent. Van is on the top of his game reporting on the war when he is paired with a newcomer to the office pool. Van and Cora spark a romance while they create stories to lighten the mood of London. When they rush off to report on the the landing on Normandy beach, their romance almost comes to an end. An easy and fast read with fun historical facts.
May 7, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books from Linda Shenton Matchett’s Sisters in Service series. I was excited to have the opportunity to read the third installment, The Widow & The War Correspondent. It exceeded my expectations and have found a new favorite in the series. I adored Van and Cora’s story. They had wonderful chemistry together and could not wait to see what was going to happen to them in the end.
The Widow & The War Correspondent is getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend this, as well as, the series for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. As always, I will be looking for more books like this from Linda Shenton Matchett in the future.
I received a digital copy of The Widow & The War Correspondent from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
The Widow & The War Correspondent is getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend this, as well as, the series for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. As always, I will be looking for more books like this from Linda Shenton Matchett in the future.
I received a digital copy of The Widow & The War Correspondent from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews